LIFE AFTER LOTTO
I’m a ‘lottery lawyer’ – important steps to take after a jackpot win & why you should hire a car to collect your check
A SELF-proclaimed lottery lawyer has shared crucial steps to take after winning a jackpot and the reason behind hiring a car to collect your huge check.
Kurt Panouses has given advice to over 30 lotto winners after they scoured huge jackpots.
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Panouses emphasized the importance of privacy and told that winners should continue living as they would have if they never won.
At least in the beginning, lotto winners should try to avoid big purchases.
"You don't go back home to your little hometown and knock down your house and build a big mansion," Panouses said.
He said you might even want to have a friend rent a car to drive you to the lottery offices when claiming your prize.
This is done so no one can track your license plates, Panouses said.
Depending on the state, lotto winners may have to identify themselves, like in the Wisconsin Lottery.
Clint and Tammy Webster from the Oneida Nation came forward after hitting a $316.3million Powerball jackpot in 2022.
But you could have more privacy if you claim the prize as a group because a court order would be needed to reveal the winners' identities, Panouses said.
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"Why not get the court order to say, 'Hey, in addition, we would like this to have some privacy and get a judge to give you a court order,'" the lotto lawyer said.
Panouses says it's best to invest your money and work to gain back some anonymity if your name is revealed.
He said setting up trusts to buy property will protect your money and identity.
The lotto lawyer also advised finding "some good financial planners."
"This is not the time to go to your local credit union that you've used all your life and open up an account with them," he said.
If you want more tips on how to keep your money safe if you win the lotto, a lawyer at gave some helpful advice.
One recommendation that lawyer John M. Phillips gave was to stake your claim to your winning ticket immediately, as "possession is often the primary consideration."
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